Encyclopedic knowledge is not our priority but the history of loafers is so exciting to get lost in. The story begins with Norwegian farmers and your research can take you from M.J.’s moonwalk to iconic designs of luxury brands, or even articles (written) about the politicization of loafers.
Moccasins
Loafers, also named ‘‘slip-ons’’, are defined to have a moccasin characteristic upper with or without a strap instead of laces and buckles. Let’s look into the timeline of how loafers and other different types (such as as penny, kiltie, and tassel loafers) came to be with modifications made on the basic moccasins. Using tassels as ornaments on a moccasin style shoe created tassel loafers. Penny loafers came out earlier than tassel loafers and have a more colorful story. It was all because of a penny that people would insert into the lip shaped slit of the straps, either for emergency phone calls or just to make a fashion statement. Traditional designs are characterized with a flat, wide heel but we have seen that brands can change any feature or combine different shoe styles in one shoe. It is even possible to find shoes named loafers that have buckles, tassels, kilties and a wingtip’s perforations (on top) all at the same time.
Some other variations of the loafer may also include monkstraps, dress slippers, drivers, and deck shoes.
I love loafers because they are inherently practical and dressy. This means you can just ‘slip on’ and change your total look with an effortless touch. The sporty ‘shirt-denim-sneakers look’ can easily be more elegant with a pair of tassel loafers. Loafers are simply versatile and flexible; they take on the characteristics of the garment worn so this makes them suitable for both casual and formal circumstances. This is why I have my tassel loafers in my baggage for any travel purpose, both summer and winter time. I can wear them with shorts, a shirt /a polo t-shirt, and a sporty canvas belt (or plait-leather belt) during summer days. For summer nights; a simple white shirt with slim and short-cropped pants or raw denim is a perfect choice to pair with loafers. You are free to wear a belt if you don’t want to be that casual. For more formal situations it is enough to add a blazer or fresh tie and an elegant leather belt to your look and you are done.
(Above left: Tassel loafers worn casual. Above right: Tassel loafers worn formal.)
The game is very similar in winter. You are free to choose classical or colorful/patterned socks depending on the atmosphere or your mood. Wool, tweed pants or denim worn under a roll neck sweater and a blazer will be casually smart at its best. Suede loafers may not be suitable for rainy days but you can wear a leather pair of any brown, tan, burgundy, or black color. Polished leather shoes, in general, are referred to be more formal compared to suede pairs. They are the perfect choice for the office and dressy events when paired with suits.
(Above left: Suede loafer. Above right: Leather loafers)
Loafers, especially the suede tassel loafers and penny loafers, are known to be more casual, but it was a long time ago that they were saved only for weekend. They aren’t only related to preppy style anymore. Lastly, thanks to their unisex nature, they have been worn also by women for a very long time and I am so happy to see more women wearing loafers these days.
HAPPY SHOPPING!
[Check out M. Zafer’s “White Sneakers for Winter Looks” for his take on a more casual shoe. Or if you need some advice for coordinating your socks, check out Igee’s “3 Elemental Tips for Coordinating your Socks“.]
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